Osaka for First-Timers: Top 10 Dishes You MUST Try in “the Nation’s Kitchen”

Contents

 

 

Introduction

Food in Osaka is practically a religion, boasting one of Japan's most diverse and drool-worthy food scenes. It's every foodie's dream destination, where guilt has no place at the table. In fact, locals encourage visitors to indulge “till they’re bankrupt.”

 

 

Top 10 Must-Try Foods in “the Nation’s Kitchen”

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Osaka is arguably the best place in Japan to make your food dreams come true.

Historically dubbed "the nation's kitchen," Osaka's reputation as a culinary epicenter is deeply rooted in its past as a major storage and distribution hub for food, especially during the times when it served as a merchant city. 

Though the days of warehouses are long gone, a stroll through Osaka today quickly reveals that food remains at the heart of its cultural identity, almost revered with a religious fervor.

So, what to eat while in Osaka? A lot!

 

 

1. Takoyaki

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• Best place(s) to enjoy: Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru, Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan, Takoyaki Juhachiban Dotonbori, Takoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori

Osaka is a hotspot for the legendary takoyaki, a quintessential street food where one bite always leads to another. Takoyaki are scrumptious, ball-shaped snacks made from a wheat flour-based batter, cooked to perfection in a specially molded pan. 

The star of this beloved dish is undoubtedly the octopus—chopped finely, it's the heart of Osaka's culinary gift to the nation. Alongside the octopus, these dough balls are packed with tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion, all fried until they're crispy on the outside and piping hot on the inside. 

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You'll find these tasty morsels everywhere in Osaka, perfect for grabbing and going. But a word of caution: they are served extremely hot. Take it slow and don’t pop the whole thing in your mouth at once (unless you’re ready for a steamy surprise!)

 

 

2. Kitsune Udon (foxiest food in Osaka!) 

• Best place(s) to enjoy: Dotonbori Imai - Main Shop, Usamitei Matsubaya

Noodle enthusiasts are in for a treat!

Kitsune Udon, a deceptively simple yet incredibly flavorful dish, is a famous Osaka food featuring thick wheat noodles (udon) served in a hot, savory broth enriched with ingredients like kombu (kelp) and mackerel flakes.

Topping this delightful bowl is sweet and savory simmered aburaage (deep-fried tofu pockets), which add a remarkable depth of flavor that complements the mild taste of the udon noodles beautifully.

• Fun fact: the name "Kitsune" translates to "fox" in Japanese, inspired by folklore that fried tofu is a fox's favorite food!

 

 

3. Mitarashi Dango

Image source: Tripadvisor

• Best place(s) to enjoy: Kiyasu Sohompo

Anime fans familiar with dango will find the ultimate satisfaction at Kiyasu Sohompo, a famous Japanese confectionery shop with a loyal nationwide following. 

Their most popular offering, Mitarashi Dango, is a crowd favorite that consistently draws lines of eager patrons. Kiyasu Sohompo's Mitarashi Dango is uniquely crafted in a "bale-shaped" form, which allows for more sauce to cling to each dumpling for a richer flavor.

The dango at this spot are a culinary masterpiece, starting with an expert blend of mochi and rice flours. Each order prompts the dumplings to be freshly roasted over an intense open flame, allowing you to specify just how well-done you’d like them. 

Image source: Tripadvisor

Once grilled, they’re dipped in a homemade sauce that strikes a perfect balance—sweet, but not overly so, complementing the soft, easy-to-eat rice cake inside. Truly, it’s the perfect dango experience!

The name "Kiyasu" was thoughtfully chosen at the time of the company's founding, reflecting a noble aspiration: to bring great joy to the people of Yashima (a poetic reference to all of Japan) through the confectionery business. 

Image source: Tripadvisor

True to their motto, "Using the best ingredients to provide handmade flavors at reasonable prices to customers with a sweet tooth!", Kiyasu offers a mouthwatering array of over 40 types of traditional Japanese sweets (it sounds like a sweet lover's dream come true!)

 

 

4. Kushikatsu

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• Best place(s) to enjoy: Rokkakutei, Yaekatsu, Kitashinchi Kushikatsu Bon

For lovers of deep-fried delights, Kushikatsu offers a mouthwatering experience unique to Japan, particularly cherished in Osaka. 

This famous dish features an array of battered and deep-fried goodies served on skewers. Commonly, you'll find skewers loaded with meat and vegetables, though some adventurous spots in Osaka also offer exotic options like strawberries!

Originating in the vibrant Shinsekai neighborhood of downtown Osaka, Kushikatsu began as a popular fast food at local bars. A pioneer cook, who ran a small food bar since 1929, is credited with popularizing this dish among the district's blue-collar workers. 

Her simple yet satisfying menu featured meat skewered and deep-fried, making it an affordable, filling, and easy-to-eat option.

 

 

5. Kobe beef 

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• Best place(s) to enjoy: Yakiniku Japan Links Umeda, Kobe Beef Ishida Herbis Plaza, Kobe Beef Sakura Namba Shochiza Store

While Osaka offers an array of affordable and delicious eats, there's one indulgence that might require saving up: Kobe beef. This world-renowned delicacy is a must-try, celebrated for its succulence and rich marbling. 

You can find Kobe beef throughout Osaka, particularly in the bustling Dotonbori area. It hails from the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle, raised under meticulous care near Kobe city within Japan's Hyōgo Prefecture. 

Conveniently, Kobe is just a half-hour train ride away from Osaka on the Shinkansen bullet train. True to its esteemed status, Kobe beef carries a price tag to match its quality—with top-grade cuts like a kilo of grade 11 sirloin costing upwards of $300. 

This is a luxurious experience that truly embodies the phrase “worth every penny!”

 

 

6. Crepes, but not just any crepe!

Image source: Tabelog

• Best place(s) to enjoy: Creperie Alcyon

If you think you know crepes, wait until you try them in Osaka. 

In "the nation's kitchen", repes reach their full potential—rolled up like an ice cream cone and filled to the brim with ice cream and fruit, making for a delightfully convenient (though occasionally messy!) eating experience. And for those who prefer a savory treat, the shop offers other tempting options that are definitely worth a taste.

Image source: Tabelog

Additionally, you can also enjoy the ultimate crepe experience with a classic French crepe made from the finest French Essilé butter and sugar. Unlike Japanese crepes, which are generously topped with fresh cream and fruit to showcase the ingredients, authentic French crepes keep it simple, allowing you to truly "taste the dough."

While you can find similar crepe styles elsewhere in Japan, Creperie Alcyon in Osaka is a must-visit, arguably the best crepe shop in the city. 

You know you've found the place when you see a crowd patiently waiting for their favorite crepes, perfected since the 1950s. 

Image source: Tripadvisor

Creperie Alcyon is housed in a striking Western-style building that effortlessly catches the eye with its brick and yellow walls, set against a backdrop that evokes the nostalgic charm of the Showa era (1926–89). 

Inside, you'll be treated to crepes that strike the perfect balance between crispy and tender—a testament to the owner's training in France, where he mastered the art of authentic crepe-making that deeply influenced his culinary style.

Whether you're popping in for a quick treat or settling down for a meal, Creperie Alcyon delivers a taste of authentic French cuisine right in the heart of Osaka (indeed, you're getting the best of both worlds!)

 

 

7. Okonomiyaki

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• Best place(s) to enjoy: Chibo Okonomiyaki Restaurant, Houzenji Sanpei, OKO - Fun Okonomiyaki Bar, 

A dish that tastes as good as it looks? Osaka-style okonomiyaki, undoubtedly! 

This visually appealing dish involves mixing ingredients like grated Japanese yam and shredded cabbage into a batter, which is then cooked on a hot griddle like a pancake. Seafood or meat toppings are tossed in to enhance the flavor profile.

The flavors—sweet, spicy, savory, and smoky—are delightfully complex, while the texture strikes a perfect balance between crispy and creamy. This addictive combination makes okonomiyaki a dish you’ll crave endlessly. 

Some restaurants add a fun twist by letting you play the chef and cook your okonomiyaki right at your table. The process of mixing, grilling, and flipping, combined with the aromatic scents wafting through the air, will make your mouth water before you even take your first bite!

 

 

8. Hakozushi (it's sushi, just prettier!)

Image source: Nakama Noodles

• Best place(s) to enjoy: Yoshino Sushi

Hakozushi, or pressed sushi, is a visual treat every sushi lover need to try. 

This delightful version involves sushi rice pressed with premium toppings like snappers and shrimps into a square wooden mold—imagine the discipline! It’s an art that dates back to the Meiji period (1868–1912), initially featuring simpler fish like mackerel, but has since evolved into a gourmet treat reserved for special guests. 

Originally crafted for celebrations, festivals, and gatherings, "hakozushi" has a rich tradition of bringing people together through its intricate and flavorful design. 

However, in modern times, the art of making hakozushi at home has waned. Many households no longer keep the traditional wooden crates necessary for pressing the sushi, and the process itself is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. 

Despite the dwindling number of eateries dedicated to this hard-to-master craft, the traditional techniques and flavors have been preserved through generations, continuing to delight us lucky diners!

 

 

9. Negiyaki

Image source: Tripadvisor

• Best place(s) to enjoy: Fukutaro Umeda

Calling all onion lovers—prepare for your new favorite dish!

Another must-try food when you're in Osaka is Negiyaki, often referred to as a green onion pancake. This moutwatering variation of the popular Japanese savory pancake, Okonomiyaki, swaps out the typical cabbage base for a generous amount of long green onions, or 'negi.' 

This clever switch not only gives Negiyaki a lighter texture but also intensifies its flavor profile, making it a particularly delicious alternative to the traditional Okonomiyaki that many find exceptionally tasty.

At its heart, Negiyaki combines a crispy thin pancake with a lush filling of spring onions, all beautifully topped with a touch of soy sauce for a dish that'll keep you coming back for more!

 

 

10. Uncle Rikuro's Cheesecake

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• Best place(s) to enjoy: Rikuro's

Those viral reels of enormous, jiggly Japanese cheesecakes that you can't stop watching? They're featuring none other than Osaka's favorite dessert among locals and tourists alike: Uncle Rikuro's Cheesecake!

This Instagram-worthy treat isn’t your average cheesecake—it's a lighter, soufflé type, akin to a sponge cake. Its preparation gives it a light, airy consistency, with cream cheese adding just enough density to form that irresistible jiggle.

Now to the million-dollar question: how does it taste like? Truly like heaven! 

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Still, don't go in expecting the robust flavor of a traditional cheesecake—this one's quite unique. It features a very light cheese flavor, setting this iconic Osaka specialty apart in the best way possible.

The cake also features a delightful sweetness, complemented by raisins scattered around the bottom outer ring. (Prefer it without raisins? They're so easy to avoid.)

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect is its texture—soft, fluffy, and so tender it practically melts in your mouth the moment you take a bite. 

It's this exquisite combination of subtle flavors and dreamy texture that makes Uncle Rikuro's cheesecake a heavenly treat, perfect for a photo op before digging in!

 

 

Shop 5M+ Japan-Exclusive Items From Your Sofa! 

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Being "the nation's kitchen," Osaka boasts a wide array of culinary delights beyond the well-known dishes. As you wander through the city, you can stumble upon a myriad of other worth-trying local specialties. But for those who prefer to explore from the comfort of their own home, there's an equally enticing option. 

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They eagerly offer a staggering selection of over 5 million Japanese products, ranging from delicious sweets and snacks to authentic food ingredients and staples. 

But it's not just food…

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